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Friday, 06.01.2012
Millions of Russians celebrate Orthodox Christmas
Moscow. From the night of the 6th to the 7th of January millions of Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas in Russia. Patriarch Kyrill warns in his Christmas message against the "cult of rapid wealth" and equality.
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The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) celebrates Christmas according to the Julian calendar - like the orthodox churches in Georgia, Serbia and Jerusalem as well as the Greek-Catholic Church in the Ukraine. The Julian Calendar 'lags behind the commonly used Gregorian Calendar' by 13 days.
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Two to three million worshipers attend the mass
While in Europe Christmas was celebrated nearly two weeks ago, this is the night of the birth of Christ according to the ROC. In 8.500 churches nationwide, two to three million worshippers are expected to attend the mass.
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The main service is traditionally held in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral and will be held by Patriarch Kyrill personally. The mass starts at 11pm, lasting for several hours, and will be shown live on the state television "Channel 1" and "Rossiya" as well as the church channel "Spas (love)".
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Kyrill warns of desire to get rich fast
In his pre-published Christmas message the patriarch has called for strengthening the community and talked about Christians who live in the countries where the events of sacred history unfolded, who are going through difficult trials. Kyrill does not only see the salvation of Christians threatened in the Arab world.
"It is important to recognize the fraud and deception of earthly happiness in our selfish passions and aspirations as well as the seductions in advertising and entertainment and political texts", said Kyrill. Thus, the Moscow Patriarch talked against the importance of materialism and the pursuit of quick riches. Instead, Kyrill called on the faithful to greater social commitment and also for missionary work in the Orthodox Church.
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The end of Lent, but without presents
Christmas is for Russian Orthodox Christians a happy occasion as the birth of Christ is being remembered. A welcome side effect for the faithful: The celebrations mark the end of the long lent period. Russians give virtually no Christmas presents, the gifts were already delivered by Ded Moroz, the Russian form of Santa Claus, on New Years Day.
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